The Colour of Love

Long before Namibia’s independence, interracial relationships were both illegal and taboo. Thankfully these days, that is no longer the case. People from all races can enter relationships without the fear of persecution. However, even in 2014, it still goes against the beliefs of some. We took to Facebook to find out what our readers think about interracial relationships…

Speaking from experience as someone in an interracial relationship, we are still judged harshly, on both sides. I don’t regret it for a moment, but the micro aggressions are evident when you are involved in an interracial relationship.

I would say (as someone who has, more as a matter of chance than preferences, never dated anyone of his own race) that opinion is mixed. You do get stared at when you’re out as a couple. Some people will assume you’re a white sugar daddy. People will make funny remarks. I seriously had a taxi driver sing ‘Ebony and Ivory’ to me once. On the other hand, some people have been very accepting. I also don’t regret it for a moment. It’s not been easy to accept that some people have a bad attitude, but I suppose for a society that only put Apartheid behind it 20 odd years ago, it is to be expected.

Sadly yes, interracial relationships are still judged. Some individuals are struggling to adapt to the fact that racial or tribal segregation is a thing of the past. We are now living as one people. I wouldn’t mind dating anyone from another tribe or race.

I am in a relationship with a white woman. From my recent experiences, black people look at me awkwardly, it’s like they feel I am doing something wrong. I think the war had a very serious impact on the black community, they are scared of white people. Black people still feel inferior to white people, they feel they are not good enough to be involved with white people.

Times have somewhat changed, but it’s still sad to see there are people in society with their preconceived judgements about interracial relationships. Love should be colour-blind. Unfortunately, it’s only colour-blind to the involved parties and not to society who see their ethnicity before their love.

I have no problem getting involved with a white man but in Namibia it’s very rare for a white Namibian guy to get involved with a black girl. I think there are still a lot of racial issues in Namibia.

To me personally, we are not one nation. Don’t get me wrong, but if you haven’t realised, in Katutura, locations are parted into tribal areas.

Yes, we are judged to some extent. I’m in an interracial relationship and many black people ask him “why did you have to take a Baster? She’s just after your money.” I feel that if someone makes you happy, colour/age/etc is nothing. We are good for each other and I don’t care about what people say or think.

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